Your NHS journey

Who's who?

Meet the team whose help will be on offer:

1. The GP

   The person you will see the most will probably be your GP who will monitor your symptoms and medicines. Your GP can also refer you to different healthcare professionals who can help with the various aspects of your condition.

2. Rheumatologist

   A rheumatologist is a doctor who specialises in treating conditions that affect joints and muscles. Your GP will probably refer you to a rheumatologist to check whether you have rheumatoid arthritis. The rheumatologist will ask you about your symptoms, examine your joints, take a detailed medical history and carry out blood tests to help him or her decide what’s causing your symptoms. Once you are diagnosed the rheumatologist will recommend a treatment and oversee the long term management of your condition.

3. Specialist rheumatology nurses

   Specialist nurses work alongside rheumatologists in hospitals. You might also hear them called a clinical nurse specialist, rheumatology nurse practitioner or liaison rheumatology nurse. You might see a specialist nurse when you go for follow-up appointments in hospital, before you see the rheumatologist. The nurse is trained to monitor your condition and may carry out tests and ask you about how you are getting on.

4. A chiropodist and podiatrist

   If rheumatoid arthritis affects your feet a chiropodist or podiatrist can give you advice on what type of footwear will help ease your symptoms. They also give advice on caring for your feet properly, minor surgery and devices, such as insoles, that can help keep your feet healthy.

5. An occupational therapist

   This is someone who specialises in helping people manage their day-to-day activities and stay independent. For example, if you have problems getting into and out of the bath, an occupational therapist may advise what adaptations you can make in your bathroom to make this easier. There are lots of gadgets and devices that can help people who have rheumatoid arthritis – an occupational therapist will look at how you manage and advise you what might help in your situation.

6. Orthopaedic surgeon

   An orthopaedic surgeon is a specialist surgeon trained in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect bones, joints and soft tissues. They also treat injuries such as broken bones or hips. If your GP thinks you might need surgery to have a hip or knee joint replaced you will usually be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon to be assessed. The surgeon carries out both minor and major surgery, such as hip replacements, as well as operations on broken bones.

7. A physiotherapist

   A ‘physio’ uses exercise and other physical treatment – like massage or heat packs – to reduce symptoms. If your GP thinks you could benefit from exercises that help to improve the strength of your muscles, for example, he or she may refer you to a physiotherapist.

8. An orthotist

   An orthotist designs and fits devices, such as splints and braces, that can give your body extra support if you have a particular weakness. For example, if the muscles in your foot have become very weak from osteoarthritis, an orthotist might be able to make you special shoes that allow you to keep walking.

Seeing your GP

If you have been getting painful and stiff joints you will need to see your GP. He or she will ask you questions about your health in general and about the symptoms you have been getting. Your GP will probably look at and feel your joints.

Referring you to a rheumatologist

If your GP thinks you may have rheumatoid arthritis he or she will usually refer you to a rheumatologist in hospital. The rheumatologist will ask you detailed questions about your medical history and whether anyone else in your family has had symptoms or been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. You will usually have a blood test to check for chemicals that indicate whether rheumatoid arthritis is causing your symptoms.